Longtime NBC news reporter John Palmer dies

WASHINGTON – John Palmer, a veteran reporter for NBC News who covered wars and Washington over a career that spanned 40 years, died Saturday at a Washington hospital.

Palmer’s wife Nancy confirmed he died at George Washington University Hospital of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 77.

The gentlemanly Palmer worked for NBC from 1962 to 1990, and then returned to the network from 1994 until 2002.

“John was a brilliant, brave, and tireless journalist who guided viewers through many of the most significant events of the past half-century – from the early days of the civil rights movement through the tragedy of 9/11,” NBC News said in a statement. “He covered five presidents and traveled to every corner of the world, always showing the empathy and compassion that helped set him apart. His kindness is remembered by all of us, and it built lasting bonds throughout our news division. “

He served as a correspondent in Chicago, Paris and Beirut, as well as at the White House. In 1980 he landed one of his biggest scoops, breaking the news of the Carter administration’s failed attempt to rescue the American hostages being held in Iran.

“John Palmer brought to the White House beat his foreign policy experience and a steady reassuring voice, in good times and in bad,” NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell said in describing Palmer for a report aired Saturday evening.

It was also at NBC’s Washington news bureau that Palmer met his wife, Nancy, a Nightly News producer.